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For nearly three decades, Frankie Kazarian has been one of professional wrestling’s most consistent performers, blending longevity, adaptability, and passion into a career that still shows no signs of slowing down. Tonight, the veteran star steps into another milestone moment as TNA Wrestling brings its first-ever live event to Minneapolis, broadcasting from the historic Minneapolis Armory.
Despite his extensive résumé, Kazarian admits it’s unusual to encounter “firsts” at this stage of his career. Yet, wrestling in Minneapolis under the TNA banner is one of them.
“I’ve wrestled in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas many times in my career, just never for TNA,” Kazarian told PWInsiderElite.com. “This part of the country has a very rich history dating back to AWA and Verne Gagne. To bring TNA here for the first time, so it’s exciting. The energy has been incredible.”
Minnesota’s wrestling legacy looms large, from Nick Bockwinkel to Curt Hennig and colorful personalities like The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser. Kazarian, a student of the game under Killer Kowalski, has long admired the tapes of Henning and Bockwinkel, crediting them as some of the greatest to ever step in the ring.
Tonight’s Impact won’t just be historic for its Twin Cities location. It’s also a live broadcast on AXS TV and TNA+. That distinction, Kazarian says, adds a special energy backstage and in the ring.
“Being on live TV is like being on the high wire with no net,” he explained. “The locker room always works hard, but when you know fans are watching as it happens, there’s just a different level of energy.”
Kazarian has recently mixed it up with Joe Hendry, Mike Santana, and current TNA World Champion Trick Williams. While nothing official has been announced for him in Minneapolis, he made it clear his eyes remain locked on the top prize.
“It’s TNA World Title or bust for me,” he declared. “It’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. Winning that title and leading this company forward is the goal.”
For Kazarian, this quest is deeply personal. As one of the last remaining “originals” of TNA, alongside Eric Young, he sees capturing the world title as both a career-defining accomplishment and a responsibility.
The 27-year veteran has seen every side of the wrestling business, from Ring of Honor to AEW and even a stop in WWE’s NXT. His ability to adapt has been key.
“Reinvent or die,” Kazarian said. “If you want longevity, you have to evolve. That’s something I’ve done my entire career, and it’s what keeps me motivated today.”
All roads are leading to Bound for Glory on October 12 in Lowell, Massachusetts, Kazarian’s old New England stomping grounds. Having trained under Killer Kowalski in the Boston area, the chance to return there for TNA’s biggest event of the year feels especially meaningful.
“Every time I land in Boston, I’m flooded with memories,” he said. “To have Bound for Glory there. It’s very special. It’s a full-circle moment.”
Before the matches, Kazarian will join Ash By Elegance at the Minnesota Twins game tonight as part of TNA’s local outreach. Far from seeing this as extra work, Kazarian embraces the ambassador role.
“I never wanted to be just a guy. I wanted to be the guy,” he said. “That comes with responsibilities like media, appearances, and promotion. If I can be the one to bring TNA to the masses, I want that.”
TNA Impact Live airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on AXS TV and TNA+. Tomorrow night, the Minneapolis Armory hosts TNA’s television taping. All of this builds toward Bound for Glory on October 12 in Lowell, Massachusetts.
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